Core i5-560M vs Pentium G3220

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-560M vs Pentium G3220 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-560M vs Pentium G3220: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-560M

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 54W, a 19W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.4 vs 34.9 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $54 MSRP).

Pentium G3220

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $171 less on MSRP ($54 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 314.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 34.9 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($54 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,885 vs 1,894).
❌54.3% higher power demand at 54W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-560M better than Pentium G3220?

Yes. Core i5-560M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-560M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-560M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-560M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-560M comes in 316.7% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $54 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3220 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 314.7% better value on paper (34.9 vs 8.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Pentium G3220 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-560M vs Pentium G3220 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-560M

The Core i5-560M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,894 points. Launch price was $225.

Pentium G3220

The Pentium G3220 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,885 points. Launch price was $71.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-560M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3220's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-560M versus 3 GHz on the Pentium G3220 — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-560M (base: 2.66 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-560M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium G3220 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-560M scores 1,894 against the Pentium G3220's 1,885 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-560M. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Pentium G3220
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+7%	3 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	3 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,894	1,885
Geekbench 6 Single	450	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	950	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-560M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3220 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-560M versus DDR3-1333 on the Pentium G3220 — the Pentium G3220 supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Pentium G3220 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Pentium G3220
Socket	PGA988	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	32 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-560M) vs VT-x (Pentium G3220). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) (Core i5-560M) and HD Graphics (Pentium G3220) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-560M targets Laptop, Pentium G3220 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-560M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Pentium G3220
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)	HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x
Target Use	Laptop	Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-560M was priced at $225, while the Pentium G3220 came in at $54. On launch pricing ($225 vs $54), Pentium G3220 was $171 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-560M delivers 8.4 pts/$ vs 34.9 pts/$ for the Pentium G3220 — making the Pentium G3220 the 122.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Pentium G3220
MSRP	$225	$54-76%
Performance per Dollar	8.4	34.9+315%
Release Date	2010	2013

Search Core i5-560M on Amazon

Search Pentium G3220 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.